11 Natural Cures For Pain
All of us felt pain right from the time we're young. What is the easy
remedy for most, pop a pill that you can get over the counter. But,
sadly, people at that point of time forget that the pill causes more
harm than good. Over a period of time, the same pill won't be effective
to get relief from pain, as our body has got used to it. Then, people go
for stronger pain killers, more harmful. In stead of popping pill each
time even for a minor pain, why not try some home remedies or
alternative therapies.
Acupuncture
Relieve arthritis; migraines; low-back, menstrual, or post-operative pain
What the science says: When pricked with tiny, essentially painless needles, your body releases endogenous opioids, its natural painkillers—but for reasons scientists are still figuring out, the benefits last longer than the chemicals’ analgesic effect. Recent research has yielded stunning results: people with knee arthritis reduced pain by 40% after 6 months of acupuncture that began as twice weekly sessions and was gradually reduced to once a month, according to researchers, who also found it can relieve low-back pain. Overseas, scientists in Europe used acupuncture to cut medication use in half among migraine sufferers—and, in another study, ease menstrual pain. Post-surgery patients needed less morphine after receiving the needle pricks, a recent review found.
How to try it: For acute pain, try 5-8 treatments; experts say you’ll need 8-15 sessions for chronic pain .
Capsaicin
Reduce pain from arthritis, shingles, or neuropathy
What the science says: An active component of chili pepper, capsaicin temporarily desensitizes pain-prone skin nerve receptors called C-fibers; soreness is diminished for 3 to 5 weeks while they regain sensation. Nearly 40% of arthritis patients reduced their pain by half after using a topical capsaicin cream for a month, and 60% of neuropathy patients achieved the same after 2 months, according to a study. Patients decreased their migraine and cluster headache intensity after applying capsaicin cream inside their nostrils.
How to try it: Capsaicin ointments and creams are sold in pharmacies and health stores. For arthritis or neuropathy, try 0.025% or 0.075% capsaicin cream one to four times daily; best results can take up to 2 weeks, says a professor. But research on capsaicin and headaches remains limited--and don't expect stronger versions anytime soon: "Current formulations are better suited for more acute problems, like a sore muscle or an arthritis flare-up, than everyday pain and stiffness," the Prof. says.
Reduce pain from arthritis, shingles, or neuropathy
What the science says: An active component of chili pepper, capsaicin temporarily desensitizes pain-prone skin nerve receptors called C-fibers; soreness is diminished for 3 to 5 weeks while they regain sensation. Nearly 40% of arthritis patients reduced their pain by half after using a topical capsaicin cream for a month, and 60% of neuropathy patients achieved the same after 2 months, according to a study. Patients decreased their migraine and cluster headache intensity after applying capsaicin cream inside their nostrils.
How to try it: Capsaicin ointments and creams are sold in pharmacies and health stores. For arthritis or neuropathy, try 0.025% or 0.075% capsaicin cream one to four times daily; best results can take up to 2 weeks, says a professor. But research on capsaicin and headaches remains limited--and don't expect stronger versions anytime soon: "Current formulations are better suited for more acute problems, like a sore muscle or an arthritis flare-up, than everyday pain and stiffness," the Prof. says.
InflaThera or Zyflamend
Help ease arthritis
What the science says: Both supplement brands contain ginger, turmeric, and holy basil, all of which have anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric (a curry ingredient) may be the best: A component, curcumin, eases inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, according to the researchers. Researchers are now testing Zyflamend in RA patients, but some experts are already sold: "Each herb has its own scientific database of evidence," says a Dr.
Help ease arthritis
What the science says: Both supplement brands contain ginger, turmeric, and holy basil, all of which have anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric (a curry ingredient) may be the best: A component, curcumin, eases inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, according to the researchers. Researchers are now testing Zyflamend in RA patients, but some experts are already sold: "Each herb has its own scientific database of evidence," says a Dr.
How to try it:
ProThera, InflaThera's maker, will only sell to health care
professionals, so your doctor has to order it for you; that said, it's
reportedly stronger (and slightly cheaper) than Zyflamend. InflaThera's
suggested dosage is twice daily with food. For the more readily
accessible Zyflamend, take one capsule two or three times daily, but
avoid it near bedtime--each pill contains 10 mg of caffeine (another
version, Zyflamend PM, is reportedly less stimulating).
Or, save money and try curcumin to start: Taking 500 mg four times
daily, along with fish oil and a diet low in animal fat, can ease
arthritis, says a Dr.
Arnica
Alleviate acute injury or post surgery swelling
What the science says: This herb comes from a European flower; although its healing mechanism is still unknown, it does have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Taking oral homeopathic arnica after a tonsillectomy decreases pain, say researchers, and doctors found that it reduces surgery-related knee swelling.
How to try it: Use homeopathic arnica as an adjunct to ice, herbs, or conventional pain meds, suggests a Dr. Rub arnica ointment on bruises or strained muscles, or take it in the form of three lactose pellets under the tongue up to six times per day.
Alleviate acute injury or post surgery swelling
What the science says: This herb comes from a European flower; although its healing mechanism is still unknown, it does have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Taking oral homeopathic arnica after a tonsillectomy decreases pain, say researchers, and doctors found that it reduces surgery-related knee swelling.
How to try it: Use homeopathic arnica as an adjunct to ice, herbs, or conventional pain meds, suggests a Dr. Rub arnica ointment on bruises or strained muscles, or take it in the form of three lactose pellets under the tongue up to six times per day.
Aquamin
Relieve osteoarthritis inflammation and pain
What the science says: This red seaweed supplement is rich in calcium and magnesium. A preliminary clinical study showed that the ingredients may reduce joint inflammation or even help build bone, says researchers. In a study of 70 volunteers, Aquamin users reduced arthritis pain by 20% in a month, and had less stiffness than patients taking a placebo.
How to try it:A Dr. recommends 2,400 mg a day (two capsules) of Aquamin in tablet form, sold domestically in products such as Aquamin Sea Minerals and Cal-Sea-Um.
Relieve osteoarthritis inflammation and pain
What the science says: This red seaweed supplement is rich in calcium and magnesium. A preliminary clinical study showed that the ingredients may reduce joint inflammation or even help build bone, says researchers. In a study of 70 volunteers, Aquamin users reduced arthritis pain by 20% in a month, and had less stiffness than patients taking a placebo.
How to try it:A Dr. recommends 2,400 mg a day (two capsules) of Aquamin in tablet form, sold domestically in products such as Aquamin Sea Minerals and Cal-Sea-Um.
SAM-e (S adenosylmethionine)
Reduce osteoarthritis aches
What the science says: SAM-e is made from a naturally occurring amino acid and sold as capsules. Doctors aren't entirely sure why it tamps down pain, but it reduces inflammation and may increase the feel-good brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine. Studies showed that SAM-e was as effective as some NSAIDs in easing osteoarthritis aches; the researchers found that SAM-e quashed pain by 50% after 2 months, though it took a few weeks to kick in. SAM-e produced no cardiovascular risks and fewer stomach problems than the conventional meds.
How to try it: A Dr. prescribes 400 to 1,600 mg daily, often with turmeric or fish oil. SAM-e can interact with other meds, especially MAO-inhibitor antidepressants, so it's vital to talk with your doctor before taking it (and avoid SAM-e entirely if you have bipolar disorder). Also, inspect the packaging before buying, he advises. Make sure the product carries a USP or GMP quality seal, contains a stabilizing salt, has a far-off expiration date, and comes in foil blister packs--SAM-e can degrade rapidly in direct light.
Reduce osteoarthritis aches
What the science says: SAM-e is made from a naturally occurring amino acid and sold as capsules. Doctors aren't entirely sure why it tamps down pain, but it reduces inflammation and may increase the feel-good brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine. Studies showed that SAM-e was as effective as some NSAIDs in easing osteoarthritis aches; the researchers found that SAM-e quashed pain by 50% after 2 months, though it took a few weeks to kick in. SAM-e produced no cardiovascular risks and fewer stomach problems than the conventional meds.
How to try it: A Dr. prescribes 400 to 1,600 mg daily, often with turmeric or fish oil. SAM-e can interact with other meds, especially MAO-inhibitor antidepressants, so it's vital to talk with your doctor before taking it (and avoid SAM-e entirely if you have bipolar disorder). Also, inspect the packaging before buying, he advises. Make sure the product carries a USP or GMP quality seal, contains a stabilizing salt, has a far-off expiration date, and comes in foil blister packs--SAM-e can degrade rapidly in direct light.
Fish oil
Relieve joint pain from arthritis or autoimmune disorders
What the science says: Digested fish oil breaks down into hormone like chemicals called prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation. In one study, about 40% of rheumatoid arthritis patients who took cod-liver oil every day were able to cut their NSAID use by more than a third, some scientists recently reported. People with neck and back pain have fared even better: After about 10 weeks, nearly two-thirds were able to stop taking NSAIDs altogether in a study.
How to try it: Taking 1,000 mg is proven to help your heart, but you should up the dose for pain. For osteoarthritis, try 2,000 to 4,000 mg daily; for rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases associated with joint pain (such as lupus), consider a much higher dose of upwards of 8,000 mg daily--but ask your doctor about such a large amount first, says a Dr. (The same rule applies if you take BP or heart meds, as omega-3s can thin the blood.) Read the nutrition label carefully: The dosage refers to the amount of omega-3s in a capsule, not other ingredients.
Relieve joint pain from arthritis or autoimmune disorders
What the science says: Digested fish oil breaks down into hormone like chemicals called prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation. In one study, about 40% of rheumatoid arthritis patients who took cod-liver oil every day were able to cut their NSAID use by more than a third, some scientists recently reported. People with neck and back pain have fared even better: After about 10 weeks, nearly two-thirds were able to stop taking NSAIDs altogether in a study.
How to try it: Taking 1,000 mg is proven to help your heart, but you should up the dose for pain. For osteoarthritis, try 2,000 to 4,000 mg daily; for rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases associated with joint pain (such as lupus), consider a much higher dose of upwards of 8,000 mg daily--but ask your doctor about such a large amount first, says a Dr. (The same rule applies if you take BP or heart meds, as omega-3s can thin the blood.) Read the nutrition label carefully: The dosage refers to the amount of omega-3s in a capsule, not other ingredients.
Methylsulfonyl-methane (MSM)
Improve osteoarthritis
What the science says: MSM is derived from sulfur and may prevent joint and cartilage degeneration, say scientists. People with osteoarthritis of the knee who took MSM had 25% less pain and 30% better physical function at the end of a 3-month trial. Researchers also found that MSM worked better when combined with glucosamine.
How to try it: Start with 1.5 to 3 g once daily and increase to 3 g twice daily for more severe pain, suggests a professor of clinical sciences. Patients in the Indian trial improved on dosages as low as 500 mg three times daily.
Improve osteoarthritis
What the science says: MSM is derived from sulfur and may prevent joint and cartilage degeneration, say scientists. People with osteoarthritis of the knee who took MSM had 25% less pain and 30% better physical function at the end of a 3-month trial. Researchers also found that MSM worked better when combined with glucosamine.
How to try it: Start with 1.5 to 3 g once daily and increase to 3 g twice daily for more severe pain, suggests a professor of clinical sciences. Patients in the Indian trial improved on dosages as low as 500 mg three times daily.
Counting out loud
Soothe brief "needle stick" pain
What the science says: Patients who counted backward from 100 out loud during an injection experienced and recalled less pain, according to a recent study. None of the 46 patients who counted complained afterward, and only one of them could remember pain from the injection at all (among the 46 who didn't count, 19 said the injection hurt and 10 recalled what it felt like). Recitation might work by distracting the brain from processing the sensation, says study author. The trick is probably only useful for short or acute periods, she says, adding: "The degree of pain reduction really depends on how well patients concentrate on counting."
Soothe brief "needle stick" pain
What the science says: Patients who counted backward from 100 out loud during an injection experienced and recalled less pain, according to a recent study. None of the 46 patients who counted complained afterward, and only one of them could remember pain from the injection at all (among the 46 who didn't count, 19 said the injection hurt and 10 recalled what it felt like). Recitation might work by distracting the brain from processing the sensation, says study author. The trick is probably only useful for short or acute periods, she says, adding: "The degree of pain reduction really depends on how well patients concentrate on counting."
Qigong
Ease fibromyalgia or arthritis
What the science says: Qigong is an umbrella term for traditional Chinese-medicine exercises or techniques that integrate body, posture, mind and breathing to improve the flow of energy, or qi. Women with severe fibromyalgia reported 73% less pain after just 5-7 sessions with a qigong master, according to a study, and the benefits continued three months later. "I’ve never seen pain scores change so dramatically," says study co-author, who notes that larger trials need to be conducted to confirm these benefits. In other research, when qigong was combined with meditation, the pair helped patients reduce their pain as well as prescription drugs, according to researchers. And 83% of rheumatoid arthritis patients who practiced qigong for 1-2 hours a day reported greater improvement compared to 57% who received medication, Chinese doctors found.
How to try it: A skilled practitioner can help you reduce your discomfort in 3 to 9 treatments, says a Master. Start off with a class or use an at-home video "Qigong Beginning Practice" at least one hour a day, either first thing in the morning or right before bed. Once you’ve got the hang of it, 20 to 30 minutes a day can keep pain at bay, says the study author.
Ease fibromyalgia or arthritis
What the science says: Qigong is an umbrella term for traditional Chinese-medicine exercises or techniques that integrate body, posture, mind and breathing to improve the flow of energy, or qi. Women with severe fibromyalgia reported 73% less pain after just 5-7 sessions with a qigong master, according to a study, and the benefits continued three months later. "I’ve never seen pain scores change so dramatically," says study co-author, who notes that larger trials need to be conducted to confirm these benefits. In other research, when qigong was combined with meditation, the pair helped patients reduce their pain as well as prescription drugs, according to researchers. And 83% of rheumatoid arthritis patients who practiced qigong for 1-2 hours a day reported greater improvement compared to 57% who received medication, Chinese doctors found.
How to try it: A skilled practitioner can help you reduce your discomfort in 3 to 9 treatments, says a Master. Start off with a class or use an at-home video "Qigong Beginning Practice" at least one hour a day, either first thing in the morning or right before bed. Once you’ve got the hang of it, 20 to 30 minutes a day can keep pain at bay, says the study author.
Acupuncture
Relieve arthritis; migraines; low-back, menstrual, or post-operative pain
What the science says: When pricked with tiny, essentially painless needles, your body releases endogenous opioids, its natural painkillers—but for reasons scientists are still figuring out, the benefits last longer than the chemicals’ analgesic effect. Recent research has yielded stunning results: people with knee arthritis reduced pain by 40% after 6 months of acupuncture that began as twice weekly sessions and was gradually reduced to once a month, according to researchers, who also found it can relieve low-back pain. Overseas, scientists in Europe used acupuncture to cut medication use in half among migraine sufferers—and, in another study, ease menstrual pain. Post-surgery patients needed less morphine after receiving the needle pricks, a recent review found.
How to try it: For acute pain, try 5-8 treatments; experts say you’ll need 8-15 sessions for chronic pain .
Glucosamine and chondroitin
Protect cartilage from osteoarthritis
What the science says: Glucosamine is a natural compound used in the formation and repair of cartilage, according to the Mayo Clinic. Chondroitin is made from shark and cow cartilage. Both are thought to help build or protect joint-cushioning cartilage—the same material that breaks down in osteoarthritis. The combination can help people with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis, according to a study: 53% of users felt their pain decrease by half.
How to try it: Take 500 mg of glucosamine three times a day alone or with 400 mg of chondroitin sulfate. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database suggests glucosamine sulfate over glucosamine hydrochloride, though many brands contain both.
Protect cartilage from osteoarthritis
What the science says: Glucosamine is a natural compound used in the formation and repair of cartilage, according to the Mayo Clinic. Chondroitin is made from shark and cow cartilage. Both are thought to help build or protect joint-cushioning cartilage—the same material that breaks down in osteoarthritis. The combination can help people with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis, according to a study: 53% of users felt their pain decrease by half.
How to try it: Take 500 mg of glucosamine three times a day alone or with 400 mg of chondroitin sulfate. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database suggests glucosamine sulfate over glucosamine hydrochloride, though many brands contain both.
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Labels: acupuncture, amino acids, anti-inflammatory, arnica, Arthritis, autoimmune disorder, capsaicin, desensitizes, fish oil, Ginger, nerve receptors, post surgery swelling, sore muscles, tulsi, Turmeric, zyflamed
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